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WITNESSING the unbridled joy of a person catching their first fish is a satisfying reward for those involved in Mackay Recreational Fishers Alliance (MRFA).

Now the organisation has an Australia Day Environmental Achievement Award to officially recognise its efforts in angler education.

The MRFA comprises recreational fishers dedicated to promoting and improving recreational fishing in the region.

Its angler education division volunteers time to educate children about sustainable and responsible fishing practices.

This is done through the group's school fish program, annual Take A Kid Fishing Day, MRFA and Tackle World kids fishing competition, and fishing excursions for people with disabilities.

The school fish program has educated more than 9000 students over the last 10 years. Volunteers spend time in the classroom, educating children in all aspects of angling, ranging from assembling and maintaining equipment to bag limits, size limits and even crocodile awareness.

The MRFA annual Take a Kid Fishing Day, which has been running for 15 years, is aimed at families who would not normally go fishing. All rods, tackle, bait, lunch and fishing advice is supplied free-of-charge.

The angler education team assists with the Tackle World kids fishing competition, which has been running for four years.

It has also conducted fishing excursions for community groups, such as The Smith Family, Mental Health and the Stroke Foundation.

In October last year, the MRFA Angler Education team won the prestigious Peabody Energy Environment and Landcare Award at the Queensland Regional Achievement and Community Awards.